Bob Edwards
Bob Edwards is the manager of Stubbers, a large multi adventure and outdoor education activity centre near London.
Bob sees that cooperation and information sharing are essential to the success and development of small, independent and not for profit operations and considers his position on the board as being a way of contributing to the industry.
In 2022 he became the new Chairman of the Mutual taking over from Andrew Gardiner.
Andrew Gardiner
Andrew Gardiner, originally a teacher in Birmingham, founded Acorn in 1982 when he set up a camp for schools in Wales. Since then Acorn has expanded to provide adventure programmes for schools, families and groups. He established The School Travel Company which is also an AIM member. He was a founder member of AIM, and is an enthusiastic supporter of mutuality as the best way to safeguard all parties involved in the provision of outdoor activities and residentials . He sees the Mutual as the way to encourage and share best practice, and to provide reliable support in uncertain times.
Peter Gordon
Finance Director of Rockley Watersports, Peter started life as a dinghy instructor and slowly worked upwards. He was keen for his company to join the Mutual as he felt it understood the adventure activities industry and the risks involved. He feels that the Mutual offers benefits not normally available in the conventional insurance market, in particular the Board’s power to agree claims which are not included in the cover. Peter sits on various other committees including the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Committee, the Wessex British Marine Federation and National Boat Shows - Vice Chairman (Southampton and London).
Paul Reeve
Paul is co-owner of the Foundry Climbing Centre (Sheffield), Foundry Activity Centre (Great Hucklow) and Cragx Climbing Shop. Established in 1990, the Foundry was the UK’s first privately owned, dedicated climbing centre and has introduced thousands of young people and adults to the sport. Paul was also instrumental in setting up the Association of British Climbing Walls Ltd and establishing the Climbing Wall Operators Guidelines. As an AIM Member, Paul considers the Mutual to be a key strategic partner in helping to run the Foundry safely and professionally, and it is his hope that he can continue in former Director, Steve Taylor’s, (Castle Climbing) footsteps in providing support to the Board to the benefit of the many climbing and bouldering walls that continue to be built throughout the UK.
Paul is married with three children and has travelled extensively. He is an active climber, fellrunner and surfer.
David Eddins
David is Managing Director of Mendip Outdoor Pursuits, the activity company he joined as an apprentice in 1995. Working his way up through the ranks David bought the company from its founder in 2006. In 2012 David also set up ‘Activity Cloud’ a small software company supplying an industry specific customer and staff management platform. “I love the outdoors and everything about it; for me AIM is a great example of how collaboration can make us stronger together, the core of my business ethos in the outdoors.” David’s interaction with other outdoor activity providers, through Activity Cloud, plus over 20 year experience in the industry gives him an informed knowledge of the sector.
